Jose Mourinho is close to becoming Manchester United’s new boss, with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward holding talks with his agent.

Two days after leading United to their first major trophy of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, Louis van Gaal’s turbulent two-year Old Trafford reign was brought to an end.

The divisive Dutchman paid for United’s prosaic style and underwhelming substance, with Saturday’s FA Cup win unable to mask the poor Premier League performances that saw United miss out on Champions League qualification on goal difference.

Mourinho, Van Gaal’s former assistant at Barcelona, looks a certainty for the job and it is understood that Woodward and agent Jorge Mendes are meeting in London to discuss the deal.